Evaluating Oral Health in Pregnant Women: Knowledge, attitudes and practices of health professionals.

Abstract

Purpose: Complex physiological changes occur during pregnancy thus increasing the risk of periodontitis and potentially adverse pregnancy outcomes. The purpose of this study was to assess prenatal health care professionals' levels of knowledge regarding oral health and its effect on pregnancy outcomes, examine their current practices in evaluating oral health, and determine their attitudes towards a multidisciplinary approach to providing comprehensive prenatal care.Methods: Data was collected from a web-based survey administered to a convenience sample of prenatal health professionals in a healthcare organization located in the Midwestern United States. Responses were summarized with descriptive statistics. A knowledge score was utilized to compare midwives and nurse practitioners to physicians and residents.Results: Seventy-six prenatal health care professionals (n=76) agreed to participate for a response rate of 37%, with the majority (80%) of respondents considering oral health to be an important component of prenatal care. In regards to the inclusion of oral health in current practice, only 6% of the respondents "always" include an oral health history interview and only 7% "always" include a dental screening as part of prenatal care. A moderate correlation was found between the knowledge score and the frequency of including oral health history interviews during prenatal visits (correlation = 0.36, p=0.002).Conclusion: The majority of prenatal health care professionals surveyed were knowledgeable about oral health as it relates to prenatal care; however, a deficit was identified in current practice in regards to oral health history interviewing and conducting dental screenings. There is a need to implement best practice guidelines that include routine dental screenings and to engage pregnant women in oral health prevention practices. Optimal oral health requires a multidisciplinary approach in which dental hygienists can play a significant role by educating women's healthcare providers and raising awareness of the connection between oral health and pregnancy outcomes.